Major Shift: Drug Use To Be Treated As A Public Health Issue, Not A Crime
A modernised system of justice which treats drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal offence is being introduced in Trinidad and Tobago.
This, from Minister of Justice Devesh Maharaj, during Tuesday’s presentation of the toolkit and initial launch of the Dissuasion Commissions in Trinidad and Tobago, which offer a public health alternative to incarceration for low-level drug offenders
Minister Maharaj said the needs of the victim, the offender and the community will be taken into account via a process which aims to preserve the safety of all.
He offered this explanation as he revealed that the Cabinet recently authorised the establishment of a Dissuasion Commission Committee.
Minister Maharaj noted that the proposal is supported by the recent passage of the Parole Act 2026, the Victims’ Rights Act and amendments to the Probation of Offenders Act.
« This approval reflects the significant work already undertaken by our local and international partners. We must now move into the next phase of implementation. The discussions at this workshop are critical to ensuring that the framework is practical, effective and aligned with the realities of Trinidad and Tobago. »
The Minister said Trinidad and Tobago now has the data needed to justify the introduction of the Dissuasion Commission.
« Between 2015 and 2024, our nation recorded over 28,900 arrests for drug-related matters. A significant proportion of these were the possession of cannabis and cocaine. Furthermore, between 2015 and 2023, nearly 4,500 citizens were incarcerated for these non-violent offences. »
The European Union’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Cecile Tassin, described the initiative as groundbreaking for the Caribbean region.
« By engaging in this process and exploring innovative approaches, Trinidad and Tobago has the opportunity to position itself at the forefront of an important regional conversation on drug policy reform. At a time when many countries are looking for multi-dimensional approaches, this work has significance, not only nationally but across the wider Caribbean. »
Minister Maharaj and Ambassador Tassin were addressing the opening ceremony of the presentation of the toolkit and initial launch for the implementation of the Dissuasion Commissions in Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday.
